Start Early

Starting the search early gives you an opportunity to look at different schools. In addition to that, you will have time to prepare your child for the transition. You need this if you are taking your child to the school you want. Parents are advised to start the search when their children are in grade 5. But again, there is no harm when you start earlier. If you are eying a private school with high demand, you can put them on the waiting list early in advance.

Ask the Child What They Want

You have a say in the final decision as a parent, but it is good to involve your child. You do not want to take them to a school they do not like because it might affect their performance. Consider things like, do they want to attend the same school as their friends? Do they want to use the school bus? Do they want a mixed gender or single-sex school?

If you are planning to enroll them in a private school, make them understand that such schools are expensive and that you will have to make financial sacrifices as a family. Never force your child to enroll in a school they do not like because it might affect their behaviors negatively.

Think Long-Term

Thinking of secondary school, you will realize that it is the gateway of what your child will become in the future. We do not have a key to the future, but it is okay to think about it and invest towards a better future. Choose a school that develops your child all round, academically and in co-curriculum areas also. If situations force you to take a school which does not offer co-curriculum benefits, try to enroll them in extra curriculum groups like scouts, cadets, sporting clubs or community groups.

Consider the Siblings

What do you think about all your children going to the same school? Will it help? Take your time to weigh the pros and cons. If you find it okay to send all your children to the same school, consider the academic, social and emotional abilities of each child. If they do not benefit from the same school, enroll them in a school that caters to their personal needs.…